Building a stronger, more connected rural development field
About the project
Rural America is rich in innovation, leadership, and economic potential. Yet fragmented systems, limited resources, and policies that often overlook rural realities constrain opportunities for communities to thrive.
Strong Foundations for Rural Advancement (SFRA) is a national, cross-sector initiative working to change that. By bringing together rural development practitioners, policymakers, funders, and community leaders, SFRA seeks to strengthen the relationships, institutions, and investments needed for lasting systems change.
With leadership and participation from the Cooperative Development Foundation (CDF), U.S. Co-ops, and a diverse steering committee representing national and regional rural voices, SFRA engaged more than 50 leaders and funders to develop a shared vision and investment strategy for rural community and economic development.
Why Cooperatives Matter
Cooperatives are a vital part of rural America’s economic infrastructure. From agriculture and electric utilities to financial services, housing, and small businesses, cooperatives enable people to meet shared needs through local ownership and democratic control.
By helping communities retain wealth, build economic resilience, and exercise greater control over their futures, cooperatives are an essential component of any comprehensive rural development strategy. Their longstanding role in rural communities aligns closely with SFRA’s vision of locally driven, sustainable prosperity.
Explore Project Resources
The SFRA strategy identifies opportunities to strengthen rural development capacity, connect existing institutions, amplify rural voices, and align investments for lasting impact.
- Strategy Paper/Full Report – Findings, strategic framework and recommendations for strengthening rural development systems.
- Executive Summary – A concise overview of the findings, priorities and recommended investments
- Presentation – A visual overview of the project’s vision, strategic priorities and next steps
What’s Next: Moving from Strategy to Action
With new funding secured for Phase II, SFRA is beginning to implement priority recommendations from the strategy paper.
The next phase will focus on strengthening existing rural development organizations and networks, advancing collaborative initiatives, exploring shared policy and data infrastructure, and mobilizing resources for long-term systems change.
SFRA will continue to engage rural leaders, practitioners, and funders across sectors and geographies, building on existing strengths and partnerships to turn shared strategy into collective action.
Partners and Support
SFRA is a collaborative initiative guided by a national steering committee and informed by rural leaders and practitioners from across the country. U.S. Co-ops and The Cooperative Development Foundation are proud to contribute to this effort and to elevate the role of cooperatives in rural prosperity.
Phase I of Strong Foundations for Rural Advancement was made possible through generous financial support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and CoBank.
Interested in learning more or getting involved?
Email U.S. Co-ops’ Cristine Nardi, Vice President of Programs and Partnerships, at [email protected].